Hrithik Roshan to wave chequered flag at Indian GP

Greater Noida: Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan is the star the Jaypee Group, the organisers of the Formula One Indian Grand Prix, have chosen to wave the chequered flag on Sunday while Sachin Tendulkar, who did the honours last year, will not be there to watch the race.

"We have recommended Hrithik's name and we expect to get the approval for his name from Fomula One Management (FOM) and as well as Bernie Eccletone," a highly-placed source in the Jaypee Group told IANS.

Hrithik is among many celebrities flocking to the Buddh International Circuit (BIC) to witness the second edition of the Indian GP. Sachin, a motor sports enthusiast, decided to skip the race and instead practice with the Mumbai cricket team ahead of the Ranji Trophy match against the Railways.

Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has been chosen by the Jaypee Group to wave the chequered flag at the Indian Grand Prix.

Indian captain Mahendra Singh Dhoni will also give the race a miss while his team-mates Yuvraj Singh, Virat Kohli and Harbhajan Singh are expected at the BIC, said the source. Former Sri Lanka captain Kumar Sangakkara, too, has confirmed his presence.

Indian tennis star Sania Mirza and her husband Shoaib Malik will be there as Sahara Force India's guests. Among other Bollywood actors likely to be present are Arjun Rampal, Sonakshi Sinha and Ajay Devgn.

The organisers are hoping sports minister Ajay Maken to show up at the event. "We sent him the invite long time ago. We are confident he will come this time," said the source.

Maken did not attend the inaugural race last year as he was reportedly not extended the invitation well in time.

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